Student Spotlight
Caley recently joined Home & Family on placement as a student social worker, and she has been an incredible asset to our team. We are proud to be part of her journey and grateful for the passion, dedication, and care she brings to her mahi.
Here’s what Caley has to say about her experience with Home & Family so far:
“I chose to complete my placement with Home & Family because I wanted to work within an organisation that embraces a whole whānau approach to social work and provides the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with clients. Trust and whanaungatanga are central to my practice, and I was drawn to a service model where these connections are given the time and space to develop. As the Ara Whānau team can work alongside families for up to two years, it felt like the perfect fit.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck not only by the beautiful heritage villa that Home & Family is based in, but also by the people. Everyone is deeply passionate about their mahi, creating an inspiring and motivating environment, and their great sense of humour makes it an enjoyable place to be.
Being part of a wraparound service model has highlighted the many barriers that can prevent whānau from engaging with services that could benefit them. Often, parents are unable to focus on their goals until their basic needs, such as providing food for their family, are met. Supporting whānau to address these immediate pressures allows them to direct their energy towards creating positive change in their lives.
The highlight of my time at Home & Family has been witnessing the small but significant wins along the way. Whether it is seeing special moments between parents and their tamariki, watching the weight begin to lift from a parent’s shoulders as challenges ease, or having the privilege of standing alongside clients as they recognise their own strengths and potential, these moments all contribute to the bigger picture of the incredible mahi Home & Family does to support whānau across our community.” Thank you, Caley, for sharing your journey with us. 
